historic preservation

William Rodman Mansion The William R. Rodman Mansion at 388 County Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts was constructed in 1833 as the home of bank president and whaling merchant, William Rotch Rodman. The architect of the granite mansion was Russell Warren, the Rhode Island designer who created the Greek Revival style in Southern New England. During the 1830′s Warren designed for New Bedford’s whaling elite over a dozen private homes and public buildings, which were seminal in the development of Greek Revival architecture. The house remains on its original site and has received minimal alteration. After the death of William R. Rodman in 1855, the houseRead More →

Corson Maritime Learning Center Over 250 people, including politicians, historic preservation advocates, community members, park staff and volunteers attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Corson Maritime Learning Center on May 16, 2008. The event was the culmination of an 11 year, $6.4 million project. The Corson Building, which is located next to the park visitor center, consists of two three-story brick structures built in 1875 and 1884. For many years the Corson Building housed Moby-Dick Marine Specialties on its first floor, a popular shopping stop for visitors to the historic district. In 1997, a devastating fire ripped through the building. The Waterfront Historic Area LeaguERead More →

Joseph Grinnell Mansion Designed by Providence architect Russell Warren, this mansion was the first Greek revival structure built in New Bedford. It was built between 1831 and 1832 for Joseph Grinnell, a whaling merchant, manufacturer, and packet trader. Joseph also served four terms as a representative in the U.S. Congress. Joseph’s father Cornelius Grinnell, was a sea captain and privateer during the Revolutionary War. The large building was constructed using granite from the same quarry (Quincy, MA) as the Bunker Hill Monument in Boston, The front of the building features full height pillars and a large portico. Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Webster, and John Quincy AdamsRead More →